Product Description

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The definitive English-language edition of one of the church's monumental works. Here Calvin expounds his theology in its most systematic and detailed form. Features for the first time in any English edition: chapter headings; footnotes; bibliographies; Scripture, author, and subject indices; and more. Essential to any study of Calvin's theology or Reformed theology. 1734 pages total, two hardcovers from Westminster/John Knox.

Publisher's Description

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This is the definitive English-language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church. All previous editions--in Latin, French, German, and English--have been collated; references and notes have been verified, corrected, and expanded; and new bibliographies have been added.The translation preserves the rugged strength and vividness of Calvin's writing, but also conforms to modern English and renders heavy theological terms in simple language. The result is a translation that achieves a high degree of accuracy and at the same time is eminently readable.

Long recognized for the quality of its translations, introductions, explanatory notes, and indexes, the Library of Christian Classics provides scholars and students with modern English translations of some of the most significant Christian theological texts in history. Through these works--each written prior to the end of the sixteenth century--contemporary readers are able to engage the ideas that have shaped Christian theology and the church through the centuries.

Author Bio

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John T. McNeill was an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. He taught at Westminster Hall; Queen's University, Ontario; Knox College, Toronto; the University of Chicago; and Union Theological Seminary, New York. McNeill authored many books, and was one of the general editors of The Library of Christian Classics.

Calvin's Institutes has not only changed the world but will change your life.This work has earned a place among the most important theological works of the Christian church for good reason: it is clear, concise, and very readable. It is set up in 4 books: 1) Knowledge of God the Creator, 2) Knowledge of God the Redeemer, 3) The Way in which We Receive the Grace of Christ, and 4) The External Means that God Uses to Invite Us to and Keep Us in Christ. With a quick glance at the Table of Contents, one can easily navigate the volumes. Calvin views God with such reverence that his writings all have a sweet and devotional quality to them. I cannot recommend Calvin's Institutes highly enough.As to this edition, J.T. McNeill has given us hundreds of helpful notes that will prove important for modern readers. As to translation, this newer translation by F.L. Battles is superior to the old Beveridge translation. This two-volume edition is the best on the market; do not buy another edition.All in all, this two volume edition of Calvin's Institutes is wonderful. You will find it to be one of your most treasured (and read) literary possessions.

This is considered by many who haven't read it to be only a piece of dry academia. It is a work of great theological thought but also a tremendous devotional work. The section on prayer is unsurpassed in devotion and warmth. This is THE greatest work of the Reformation.